Analysis of the main character of “For Bread Alone” novel based on Maslow's hierarchy of needs

Stories represent the specific circumstances of human life; therefore, fictional characters can be analyzed based on psychological theories. Abraham Maslow's theory of the hierarchy of needs is one of the most famous anthropological theories. In this theory, human needs are divided into five categories: physiological needs, security needs, emotional needs, the need for respect, and the need for self-fulfillment. According to Maslow's theory, the needs of the pyramid base must first be met in order for the needs of the top of the pyramid to emerge; That is, man must first meet physiological needs to reach the needs of safety, respect, and love, the stage of self-actualization. Achieving each stage is conditional on meeting the needs of the previous stage. In this article, using the analytical-descriptive method, we seek to examine the main character of the novel Al-Khabz Al-Hafi by Mohammad Shokri based on the Maslow needs pyramid. In this story, first, overcoming physiological needs such as food, clothing and housing, and the need for security is also part of the needs of the main character of the story. The basic needs of this character are not met in the story to the extent that there is no trace of the need for respect or self-fulfillment that lies in the later stages of the pyramid.